ラッパ

ラッパ is a general term for trumpet-like brass instruments. It can refer to any horn-shaped object, not just musical instruments.

Etymology

Origin uncertain: often traced to Dutch roeper ("caller") or to Chinese 喇叭(らっぱ) (laba). The kanji spelling 喇叭(らっぱ) is rarely used.

Common expressions

• ラッパを吹(ふ)く: to blow a trumpet
• 起床(きしょう)ラッパ: reveille (military wake-up call)
• ラッパ飲(の)み: drinking straight from the bottle (the bottle resembles a horn to the lips)
• ラッパ型(がた): trumpet/horn-shaped, flared

Similar words

• トランペット: trumpet (specific modern instrument)
• ホルン: French horn
• 笛(ふえ): whistle, flute (different instrument family)

The word has a somewhat old-fashioned or casual feel. In music contexts, トランペット is more precise.